The song "Belinda" by Bobbie Gentry tells the story of a woman named Belinda that the narrator meets in Corpus Christi in 1953. Belinda is working as a dancer in a club, captivating the audience with her beauty and mesmerizing moves. The narrator describes the scene at the club, with the flashing red neon lights and the music pouring out onto the street. Belinda's performance is watched by a crowd of blurry-eyed and captivated onlookers. Despite being admired for her body and dancing skills, Belinda's true self and thoughts remain unknown to those around her. The lyrics emphasize that while people may know Belinda's body and physical appearance, they cannot truly understand her mind or inner thoughts. She moves her lips but doesn't speak, adding an air of mystery to her persona. Although Belinda appears confident and happy on stage, the lyrics hint at a deeper sadness. The narrator wonders about her past and what may have gone wrong in her life. The song suggests that Belinda wasn't always living the life of a burlesque dancer, indicating that there might be underlying layers to her personal story. The narrator eventually takes a chance and writes a note for Belinda, asking her to have a drink with him. They engage in conversation, discussing various topics, including the sunshine and the country. During their talk, Belinda suddenly becomes emotional, shedding a tear. This vulnerability prompts the narrator to ask her about the meaning of her life. In a poignant moment, Belinda looks the narrator in the eye and reveals that her life as a burlesque queen brings her a mere forty dollars a week. It becomes evident that her outward appearance contrasts with her financial struggle, highlighting the hardships she faces. The song's message is ultimately about the duality of people's lives and the idea that our exterior selves may not always reflect our true emotions and experiences. Belinda's story serves as a reminder to not judge others solely based on their appearances and to be aware that there is often more beneath the surface. As Belinda prepares to continue her show, she reiterates that while people may know her body, they cannot truly know her mind. She laughs, leaving the narrator and the audience to witness her captivating performance once again, as she twirls, smiles, and dances around, masking her inner thoughts and struggles.
